THE LASTING gifts of the late “bowel babe” Dame Deborah James in talking openly about bowel cancer must continue to grow, says Holly Masters, who was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 23.

Holly, from Cambridgeshire, co-chairs the East of England Cancer Alliances’ Patient Partnership Group and works to raise awareness of bowel cancer among all age groups and ensure that the patient voice is heard in NHS cancer services.

Speaking on the first anniversary of Dame Deborah’s death today (Weds 28 June) Holly said: “I was so inspired by Deborah’s need to reach and help others, even when she knew she was dying.

“She did so much to get people talking and raise awareness of bowel cancer, right to the end, with her final message telling people to check their poo.”

Dame Deborah was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 at the age of 35 and became an outspoken campaigner, encouraging people to check for signs of the deadly disease.

There was a tenfold increase in people checking bowel cancer symptoms online immediately after she died, aged 40.

Holly said: “Deborah made people look with her fun ways, even when having tough cancer treatments in hospital. She never shirked the tough times. She was authentic.

“One of her posts that struck me was her dancing, with the quote: ‘Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.’ That summed her up so brilliantly.

“Deborah was an inspiration to me and to so many. She changed the image of bowel cancer in this country and after my own struggles, I too want to use my voice to make sure others don’t suffer.”

Across the East of England, urgent referrals for bowel cancer have grown to around 5,000 a month – that’s up by almost 30 per cent. Ninety-six per cent are given the all-clear, but around 90 people a week receive a bowel cancer diagnosis in one of the region’s hospitals.

Dame Deborah documented her illness on Instagram and a BBC podcast, You, Me and the Big C.

Following the announcement of her death, 23,274 visits were made to NHS bowel cancer websites, for example:  Bowel cancer – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Holly’s diagnosis came after she went to a hospital emergency department with severe abdominal pain and bleeding. Now she campaigns to ensure that more people – including healthcare professionals – are aware that bowel cancer is not just something that affects older people.

See Holly talking about her experience here: Tune in to bowel cancer warnings at any age, say East of England Campaigners :: East of England Cancer Alliance

“Deborah made people realise that they had to get to know their poo and what’s normal for them and how to see the funny side of things,” said Holly.

“On the anniversary of her death, I want to remind people of her lasting message – check your poo.”

Bowel cancer is England’s fourth most common cancer, with around 37,000 new cases each year.

Consultant colorectal surgeon Greg Wynn, of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust, is the region’s clinical lead for lower GI Cancers. He said: “On the anniversary of Dame Deborah’s death it is important to recognise her incredible work to connect with people of all ages about bowel cancer and the support she led for vital research.

“She gave us all permission to talk openly about toilet habits in a way that no-one had done before and this is now saving lives through earlier diagnosis.

“Anyone who notices changes in their bowel habits, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or fatigue should report to their GP.”

The East of England Cancer Alliances are working to connect with more younger people about cancer and have launched an anonymous survey to help inform this work.

Anyone aged under 35 is asked to complete the survey here.